Health: UNFPA Recognizes Health Minister’s Work

By Perry B. Zordyu

Liberia-Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, has been awarded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for her outstanding contributions in advancing maternal & child health empowerment.

UNFPA Regional Director, Dr. Senneh Hounton, presented the prestigious award to Dr. Kpoto when he paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Kpoto recently at her office in Congo Town.

Presenting the award, Dr. Hounton said it was a significant recognition of the Health Minister’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of women, girls, and young people in Liberia.

The UNFPA Regional Director for West and Central Africa praised the growing partnership between the UNFPA and the Government of Liberia, and also lauded Dr. Kpoto for her unwavering leadership and dedication to advancing maternal and child health, family planning, and youth empowerment.

According to him, the award is also in her ongoing support to member states in navigating current challenges and to amplify critical messages that the Minister and her team will continue to deliver on behalf of the government and development partners.

Dr. Hounton stated: “We are honored to work alongside Dr. Kpoto and her dedicated team, whose efforts to improve the lives of women and young people are inspiring and critical to the sustainable development of Liberia.”

He added that the partnership will continue to strengthen and address the health and well-being of all Liberians.

Dr. Hounton highlighted key indicators relating to maternal mortality, gender-based violence, and how to build on these areas are essential to UNFPA’s support in enhancing structural capacity, human capacity building, and governance to maximize their investment.

In response, Dr. Louise Kpoto acknowledged and accepted the award, contributing it to all those who fight and continue to do for the decrease of maternal health across the country.

She expressed gratitude for UNFPA’s steadfast support while acknowledging the progress and challenges within Liberia’s

healthcare sector.

Dr. Kpoto highlighted misconceptions surrounding family planning and the low adoption rates across the country as major challenge facing the country.

Dr. Kpoto emphasized the importance of increasing visibility and awareness of family planning services, reinforcing collaboration with the Family Planning Association, and fast-tracking the implementation of maternal health initiatives.

“We must work together to break down barriers that limit access to family planning and maternal health services. By accelerating the work of the steering committee and raising awareness, we will see positive change, particularly in reducing maternal mortality,” Dr. Kpoto noted.

Also, Chief Medical Officer of Liberia, Dr. Catherine Cooper has underscored the need to strengthen midwifery services and mentorship in high-burden health facilities.

Dr. Cooper accentuated limited ambulance services in remote areas as one of several challenges, which she said is hampering timely referrals and contributes to maternal health complications.

The Chief Medical Officer stressed the importance of scaling up midwifery education and addressing gaps in the healthcare workforce as part of the broader strategy to improve maternal health outcomes.

UNFPA’s ongoing collaboration with Liberia’s Ministry of Health is focused on creating sustainable health solutions for the country’s most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and youth. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing these goals and ensuring that the gains made in family planning, maternal health, and youth services are sustained.